Hi.

I'm new to boating with the only exception being some previous
experience a few years ago on a smallish speed boat type vessel -
StingRay?? All I remember is that the engine was 3.0L.

I am intending to purchase a boat over the next few months ready for
the 2006 season, I have a budget of around =A310,000 ukp ($17,000 usd)
to purchase the boat.

I've spent some time on the various boat sales websites based in the
United Kingdom, and have found a few models which meet my criteria,
mainly these are the Fletcher 210 (21') and the Sunseeker Mexico
(23-26'), both avaliable with the Mercruiser 350 V8 engine and of 1989
- 1995 vintage.

My criteria, apart from my budget, is for something that can be fairly
fast if I want it to be; but is quite happy to cruise around most of
the time at lowish speeeds, something with a 'cuddy' style cabin with a
portable toilet/kitchen facilities and with the ability to take up to
4/5 people comfortably for an afternoon of leisure and sunbathing and
something which looks reasonably modern and sporty.

I would apreciate any views on the above two boats and in addition
recomendations for other boats (or any advice you can give to a boat
newbie!)